Discover Nature: Canada Goose Populations Peak

Canada geese populations peak in Missouri this week, as migratory flocks join resident geese in their search of warmer winters. Watch and listen for these large waterfowl around wetlands, lakes, and ponds.

This week on Discover Nature, keep an ear, and an eye to the sky as Canada goose populations peak in Missouri.

Listen

Listening...

/

1:00

Learn about Canada Geese this week on Discover Nature.

One of our state’s best-known waterfowl species, Canada geese are common Missouri residents year-round, but migratory populations pass through in the fall as they head south for warmer winters.

Nearly any body of water surrounded by mowed grass or large open areas will attract Canada geese as these conditions allow them to see predators coming from farther away. Leaving tall grass and vegetation around ponds will help deter them, where they’re considered a nuisance.

Canada geese breed one brood per year in spring. Within a few days of hatching, young goslings leave the nest, walk, and swim. Canada geese find mates as early as their second year and stay together for life. Each goose can live to be at least 33-years old.

Watch for chevrons of these large birds flying south and stopping to feed in Missouri’s wetland areas this week.

Learn more about Canada geese and places to see them near you with the Missouri Department of Conservation’s online field guide.

Discover Nature is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Related Content

Missouri’s resident and migratory bald eagle populations peak in the winter, and now is a great time to look for these iconic American raptors.

Mature bald eagles are easily identifiable by their black bodies with white head- and tail feathers. However, for their first four to five years of life, juveniles sport all-brown feathers with white speckles.